Marlins drop series to Giants

MIAMI --Miami Marlins All-Star right-hander Henderson Alvarez exited Saturday's 5-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants after just 2 2/3 innings with a left shin contusion and is listed as day to day after X-rays came back negative.

Joe Panik sent a first-pitch, 90-mph fastball back at Alvarez that hit his leg. He kept with the play, throwing to first for an out as the runner on second advanced to third. Alvarez said he felt the pain when he retrieved the ball but wanted to complete the 1-3 putout.

''It got me in between the bone and the flesh,'' Alvarez said. ''It got me pretty good, but luckily I'm fine. Just a bump. It's unfortunate, but it's stuff that happens. When I put my hand on my leg where I got struck by the ball I felt a big bump so I figured it was probably my best bet to exit the game now.''

Infielders and manager Mike Redmond rushed out when Alvarez went down near the mound. He would limp off the field with help from catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and assistant athletic trainer Mike Kozak.

The Marlins trailed 2-1 at the time of his injury. Alvarez had allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits -- all doubles -- with two strikeouts and no walks on 33 pitches (26 strikes).

Right-hander Sam Dyson came on in relief, stranding the runner at third when Buster Posey grounded out to third. Dyson would toss 3 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on four hits with four walks and a strikeout.

Earlier this season, Alvarez left after five scoreless innings in Washington on May 28 because of tightness in his right arm. In Chicago two starts later, he strained his left hip and exited after 5 1/3 innings.

The 24-year-old entered Saturday 6-4 with a 2.63 ERA, fourth best in the National League. Prior to his last outing before the break, Miami had won 10 starts of his in a row, setting a club record. Alvarez had not given up more than two earned runs over nine straight.

Alvarez remains scheduled to pitch Thursday’s series finale in Atlanta against the Braves.

''He seems like he's going to be fine,'' Redmond said. ''We'll see as we go how the next few days progress and he goes out there on his bullpen day and see how he feels.''

Added Alvarez: ''Yes, I anticipate on making the next start. I've got to give it a couple days to see how it heals but as of now I'm looking to pitch in Atlanta.''